Apple MacBook Pro 16" M3 Pro vs Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro
Side-by-side comparison of viewing distance, PPI, and specifications
Apple MacBook Pro 16" M3 Pro
16.2" · 3456×2234 · Mini-LED
Optimal Viewing Distance 34cm
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Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro
16.2" · 3456×2234 · Mini-LED
Optimal Viewing Distance 34cm
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Category Ranking
Pixel Density (PPI)18in category
Apple MacBook Pro 16" M3 Pro254 PPI #2
Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro254 PPI #2
189 PPI261 PPI
HDR Peak Brightness18in category
Apple MacBook Pro 16" M3 Pro1600 nits #1
Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro1600 nits #1
500 nits1600 nits
DCI-P3 Color Gamut17in category
Apple MacBook Pro 16" M3 Pro99% #12
Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro100% #1
97%100%
Refresh Rate
Apple MacBook Pro 16" M3 Pro120 Hz
Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro120 Hz
StandardHighUltra
Summary
- Sharpness: identical — Both screens are retina at 50cm with identical pixel density (254 PPI). No difference in sharpness.
- Brightness: advantage Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro — The Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro is 67% brighter in SDR (1000 vs 600 nits), a noticeable difference for outdoor readability. HDR peak: 1600 vs 1600 nits.
- Upgrade: Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro vs Apple MacBook Pro 16" M3 Pro — The screen is not a reason to upgrade — same resolution, similar brightness.
Key Differences
| Specification | Apple MacBook Pro 16" M3 Pro | Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Color Gamut | sRGB 100% · DCI-P3 99% · Adobe RGB 91% | sRGB 100% · DCI-P3 100% · Adobe RGB 89% |
| SDR Brightness | 600 nits | 1000 nits |
| Year | 2023 | 2024 |
All specifications
| Specification | Apple MacBook Pro 16" M3 Pro 2023 | Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 16.2" | 16.2" |
| Resolution | 3456×2234 | 3456×2234 |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 254 | 254 |
| Optimal Viewing Distance | 34cm | 34cm |
| Panel Type | Mini-LED | Mini-LED |
| Viewing Angle | 178° | 178° |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:10 | 16:10 |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) | None | None |
| Response Time | 3 ms GTG | 3 ms GTG |
| HDR Certification | None | None |
| SDR Brightness | 600 nits | 1000 nits (Better) |
| HDR Peak Brightness | 1600 nits | 1600 nits |
| Contrast Ratio | 1:1,000,000 | 1:1,000,000 |
| Ports | 1x HDMI · USB-C | 1x HDMI · USB-C |
| USB-C Power Delivery | 140 W | 140 W |
| Color Gamut | sRGB 100% · DCI-P3 99% · Adobe RGB 91% (Better) | sRGB 100% · DCI-P3 100% · Adobe RGB 89% |
| Year | 2023 | 2024 (Better) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better PPI: Apple MacBook Pro 16" M3 Pro or Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro?
Both have 254 PPI.
Which has a closer optimal viewing distance?
Both require 34cm for retina quality.
Related Comparisons
Apple MacBook Air 13" M3 2024 · 225 PPI · 13.6" · 60 Hz
vs Apple MacBook Pro 16" M3 Pro 2023 · 254 PPI · 16.2" · 120 Hz
Apple MacBook Air 13" M3 2024 · 225 PPI · 13.6" · 60 Hz
vs Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro 2024 · 254 PPI · 16.2" · 120 Hz
Apple MacBook Air 15" M3 2024 · 224 PPI · 15.3" · 60 Hz
vs Apple MacBook Pro 16" M3 Pro 2023 · 254 PPI · 16.2" · 120 Hz
Apple MacBook Air 15" M3 2024 · 224 PPI · 15.3" · 60 Hz
vs Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro 2024 · 254 PPI · 16.2" · 120 Hz
Methodology & Sources
Formula: Retina distance (cm) = 3438 / PPI. Displayed values are rounded for readability.
Sources: Official manufacturer spec sheets and product pages. Specs are normalized before comparisons.
Comparison winners are calculated metric by metric (higher is better for most specs; lower is better for distance/response time).
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